2017 was a year characterized by an explosion of technological innovations and advancements. In the realm of 3D scanning, handheld devices took centre-stage, offering enviable portability and precision. In this long-form article, we’ll tour the top handheld 3D scanner models of that pivotal year. These trailblazers defined trends, set new standards, and boosted expectations from the booming 3D industry.

The Reign of Handheld 3D Scanners

The need for rapid prototyping, product design, 3D visualization, and quality control in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and architecture spiked the demand for 3D scanners. The handheld variants, with their ease of use, became the go-to tools for professionals. Lauded for their finesse in capturing the minutiae of any target object, they created a revolution of their own.

The Compact Efficiency of the Artec Eva

Gaining wide acclaim from the professional community, the Artec Eva was pegged as one of the best handheld 3D scanners for 2017. Its lightweight structure coupled with the ability to accurately capture colour and texture made it an impressive tool. Capable of high resolution and high accuracy scanning, the Eva's ease of use was appreciated by beginners and experts alike.

The Precision of Faro Freestyle3D X Scanner

Designed with an emphasis on industrial demands, the Freestyle3D X Scanner by Faro was another front-runner. The device boasted superior precision, apt for capturing complex components in manufacturing processes and architectural elements. With its advanced XRange 3D sensor capturing multi-level details, it was hailed as the perfect blend of versatility and reliability.

NextEngine’s Delightful Portability

Offering unmatched portability, California-based NextEngine's scanner ranked high on our 2017 list. Its ultra-compact, lightweight design allowed users to scan virtually anywhere. Yet, its small size didn’t compromise on quality. It offered power-packed performance, making high-resolution, full-colour scanning both achievable and affordable.

Optimized Simplicity with 3D Systems’ Sense 2

Another standout in 2017 was the Sense 2 from 3D Systems. Designed with the consumer market in mind, it provided a seamless 3D scanning experience with an optimized simplicity factor. Bundled with user-friendly software, its wide scan field and auto-optimizing point cloud technology made 3D scanning an enjoyable task.

EinScan-Pro’s Versatile Superiority

EinScan-Pro’s offering impressed with its multifunctional capabilities. The versatile handheld scanner featured four scan modes—Handheld rapid scan, Handheld HD scan, Automatic scan, and Free scan. Catering to a host of applications, from art to industrial design, the EinScan-Pro excelled as a comprehensive scanning solution in 2017.

Each of these scanners brought something unique to the table, bringing 3D scanning closer to various industries and making it more accessible to them. They ensured 2017's reputation as a monumental year in 3D scanning’s evolution.

In our recollection of 2017, it is essential to remember that these leaps in technology did not exist in isolation. These innovations rested on the cumulative progression of technology and the unyielding spirit of human ingenuity that seeks to push boundaries.

The advancements championed by these scanners resonate in the current trends of 3D scanning technology. Today’s better, faster, and more affordable handheld 3D scanners are built on the foundation these titans set. If you are interested in the trajectory of handheld 3D scanning, the year 2017 serves as a compelling study, a testament to the rapid growth of this technology.

Each major release is like a ripple on the surface of a pond, influencing not just contemporaries but shaping the course of all future developments. Therefore, understanding these vintage 2017 masterpieces is as much about appreciating our past as it is about envisioning the future of 3D scanning.